Duty Calls: Call for Watervliet area WW II veterans to muster for photo

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Picture this. A World War II veteran is in a hurry to make it possible to repeat history of sorts for future generations.

Bob Gusberti, 88, of Watervliet has put out a call for as many fellow Watervliet area World War II veterans to muster at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at Watervliet Memorial Park for a group photo. The event is being sponsored by the Watervliet Housing Authority.

To date, 20 veterans have signed up for the photo. Gusberti said there is an urgency to take the picture.

"More than 1,200 World War II veterans are dying each day," he said. "We've got to hurry up before they're all gone."

He said he recognized the importance for such a photo while looking at a 1927 photo of Civil War veterans published in the Granville Sentinel newspaper.

The photo of World War II veterans in their 80s and 90s will be shared among the veterans, their families and will be preserved at the Watervliet Historical Society for future generations to see and appreciate, Gusberti said.

The picture also will be added to the more than 2,000 photos of military personnel and veterans from Watervliet that the housing authority broadcasts on a video that airs on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving on Time Warner's WVLT Ch. 17.

For information or to add a name for photo shoot, call Patricelli at 378-4051, Bolt at 273-4422 or Gusberti at 273-9616.

During the war, Gusberti served on several ships including a patrol boat and the destroyer the USS Lamson (DD367). While sailing in Leyte in the Philippines, a Japanese plane bombed the ship near where Gusberti was on duty. He received third-degree burns and jumped into the sea along with other Navy survivors. He received a Purple Heart for his combat wounds.

After the war, Gusberti worked at the arsenal for more than 30 years. He retired in 1979. He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans post in Troy, the Purple Heart Chapter in Troy, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Watervliet and the Watervliet Historical Society. He serves on the planning committees for the 200th anniversary celebration for the Watervliet Arsenal and the 225th anniversary of Watervliet.

Albany Devils salute

A "Military Appreciation Night" will be hosted Saturday by the Albany Devils at the Times Union Center in Albany.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m., with a 5 p.m. start for a game with the Binghamton Senators.

All active and retired service members with IDs receive free admission.

"Military Appreciation Night has become one of our signature events that the organization and our fans look forward to each year," said Albany Devils CEO Chris Ciceri "We've had the privilege to meet many service members throughout the years and their commitment to our nation is extremely inspiring. An event like Saturday's is the very least we can do to show our gratitude."

The celebration will begin on South Pearl Street with the DLG Wealth Management Pre-Game Block Party with music by WGNA Radio. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que will provide free food to all military personnel. Representatives from each military branch will be on hand with information and fans can explore military vehicles up close.

The first 1,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive American flags, courtesy of Gettysburg Flag Works.

After the game, H&V Collision, the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, GEICO, Dupont and Enter- prise Rent-a-Car will donate three refurbished vehicles to veterans and their families.

Blue Star Mothers of America volunteers will accept donations of nonperishable items, toiletries, etc., for shipment in care packages to troops. A chin-up challenge and other activities are planned.